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Education
B.S. Physics, University of Kansas (2006)
B.S. Mathematics, University of Kansas (2006)
B.S. Computer Engineering, University of Kansas (2006)
Mentor: Wah Chiu, Ph.D.
Benjamin Bammes
Benjamin Bammes
Baylor College of Medicine
Department: SCBMB
Address: Baylor College of Medicine, Alkek N421
One Baylor Plaza
Houston, TX 77030
Phone: 832-647-5033
Fax: 713-798-1625
Email: bammes@bcm.edu
Web: ncmi.bcm.edu
Honors

Houston Area Molecular Biophysics Fellowship (2007)
Research Topic

Study of the Dynamic Structure of the Chaperonin TRiC with its Substrate VHL
Research Description
 Living cells use proteins to function. When a protein is needed, its DNA is translated into a chain of molecules called amino acids. Most of these chains do not function properly until they fold into a specific three-dimensional shape. Many proteins are unable to fold properly on their own, requiring the assistance of other folding-helper proteins called chaperones. One of the most fundamental types of chaperones is chaperonins, which are barrel-shaped molecules that encapsulate unfolded proteins and promote their correct folding.

I am studying TRiC, which is a specific chaperonin found in human and animal cells. TRiC is vital to the proper folding of many important proteins including tumor suppressor proteins, which are the body's natural way to prevent cancer. Most cases of cancer are associated with mutations in tumor suppressor proteins that make them unable to fold properly. Since chaperonins are naturally used to promote correct folding, they may be useful in developing therapies to treat and prevent cancer by helping mutant tumor suppressor proteins fold and function correctly. To this end, I am researching TRiC's ability to bind and fold pVHL, which is a specific tumor suppressor involved in von Hippel-Lindau disease and kidney cancer. I am using electron microscopy to visualize TriC+pVHL under various conditions. This is complemented by other experimental techniques that probe how normal and mutant pVHL fold with TRiC. Additionally, I am collaborating with M.D. Anderson's VHL Cancer Clinic, in hope of developing clinical applications in the future.
Selected Publications
  • Bammes, B., & Olafsen, J.S. Polymerlike folding of a two-dimensional granular chain in water. Chaos, 14: S9. (2004)
  • Bammes, B. Model system to study polymer folding in poor solvents. American Physical Society, 58th Annual Meeting of the Division of Fluid Dynamics, Abstract #NJ.009. (2005)

Last edited on: July 06, 2007

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last modified, July 06,  2007